Is McLeish Randy Lerner's Plan B

McLeish leaves City job

Aston Villa owner, Randy Lerner, was hoping to resolve the managerial vacancy at the club within a week or so of his arrival from the US last Tuesday, which following the decision of Roberto Martinez to remain at Wigan,  started to look unlikely - especially having also ruled out other possiblities such as Steve McClaren, Rafa Benitez and Mark Hughes.

Until, Sunday that was, when the news came from across the city that  Alex McLeish has resigned as manager of Birmingham City. 

A statement from the club issued on Sunday afternoon read: "Birmingham City Football Club can confirm that Alex McLeish has resigned as manager.

"Acting chairman Peter Pannu received an e-mail resignation from McLeish earlier today while away on business in Amsterdam.

"No further comment will be made at this moment in time and updates will be released in due course."

The former Scotland boss is now odds-on with the bookies to take charge of Birmingham's local rivals Aston Villa.

McLeish received the public backing of the Birmingham board following the club's last-day relegation from the Premier League on the condition that he achieved promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.

However, the former Rangers manager opted to depart St Andrews of his own accord and amid growing speculation that he was prepared to make the short journey to take control of rivals Aston Villa.

The Scot assumed control of first-team affairs at Birmingham in 2007 but was unable to save the club from relegation at the end of the season.

The Blues made an immediate return to the Premier League and completed a 12-game unbeaten run during the 2009/10 season, a club record in the top division.

McLeish would then guide the club to what he called 'his greatest achievement' in February 2011, beating Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley to secure the Carling Cup. Yet a poor run of league form ultimately resulted in the Blues' relegation back into the second tier.

The finances at Aston Villa are such that there is a need to foster talent from within, rather than the transfer window, which would have been the appeal of Gerard Houllier, when Lerner appointed him following the departure of Martin O'Neill last year. 

It could be that McLeish would be willing to drive a few miles further to Villa park, and remain in the Barclay's Premier League, even if the job comes with a limited budget.